The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-04-30
sixteenth Anniversary.

On Friday night, the 22nd, at Odd Fellows
Hall, the Webster Literary Society of Western
MARYLAND College celebrated its sixteenth an
niversary. The weather was Indictment, but
the hall was packed, and the anniversary
success. Anon Burgee, the President OF the
Society, extended a welcome to faculty, stu
dents and citizens, and n. II. Wilson deliver
ed the Anniversary Grafton, taking Tor his
subject Liberty as Seen by Lafayette and
Bartholdi" Both of these young men ac-
quilted themselves with credit TO their Society
and to the college.
The GROWING event of the evening was the
drama, "Above the Clouds" and it was
equal to any amateur performance given here
for some years The students were assisted
by three ladies of Westminster, who have on
a number of occasions appeared in amateur
plays. Each character was well sustained,
and there were no weak points in the presen-
tation Indeed the acting was OF high order
for amateurs, and the audience was more
than pleased. Below is the cast OF characters;
Philip Thorne, whose married life was
ruined through the treachery of his friend,
Alfred Thorpe. They were both suitors OF
Hester She chose Philip. Alfred wished
him happiness and roamed to a foreign land
to overcome his passion. After three years
absence he returned and was welcome visi-
.or to Philips house. The sight of Hester
aroused his passion for her and in an evil
hour he declared his love to her. She spurn-
ed him though she concealed his behavior
from her husband. Thorpe was SO enraged
that, through revenge he forged letters ex-
pressing her love for him and told her hus-
band that she had acknowledged to him that
her marriage had been a mistake. Philip
Thorne in a whirlwind of passion, and grief
snatches his child from the side of his sleep
ing wife and fees away. This child he places
with friend in Greenland. He retires to
the mountains and lives in hut and
through his eccentric and wild behavior
receives the name of "Crazy Phil Ring
DID," He lives in this manner TOR twelve
years. then he meets his wife Hester, and his
treacherous friend, Alfred Thorpe. He
finally becomes fully convinced that Hester
is true and innocent and Alfred Thorpe
consummate william. He begs Hester S forgive
ness. Their child Grace is restored to them,
so their happiness is complete. Alfred
Thorpe, City Nabob, who endeavors to ruin
his friends happiness, but ends by being
completely defeated and driven forth in dis
grace himself. Amos Gaylord, Country
Gentleman, great friend and admirer OF
Hester Thorne, and who finally succeeds IN
restoring her child to her. Howard Gaylord,
the son of Amos Gaylord and warm
friend of Philip Thorne, also lover OF his
daughter Grace Titus Turtle, Gourmand,
friend of Alfred Thorpe, who partially re-
veas his secret to Amos Gaylord. Curtis
Chapman, "Chips, in the Rough sutton of
Susy Gaylord. Nat Naylor, "Thorpe's pro-
tege,' also a lover of Susy Gaylord. Grace
ingalls,, young artist, the daughter of Philip
and Hester Thorne. Hester Thorne, Gay
lords housekeeper, after desertion by her
husband Though he left ample means for her
support, was too proud to touch his wealth
while he believed her guilty, and applied for
situation at Amos Gaylord's, where she re-
NAMED until her husband and child were re,
stored to her. Susy Gaylord, daughter of
Amos Gaylord, and sister of Howard Gay
lord. She had two suitors, Curtis Chapman
and Nat Naylor. She accepted Curtis and
rejected Nat. Lucretia Gerish, $50. ro-
mantic,' friend of Alfred Thorpe and be-
trothed of Titus Turtle.